At 96, Grandma Droniak earns $12,000 a month through TikTok

Ninety-six-year-old Lillian Droniak, known online as Grandma Droniak, has turned her TikTok popularity into an income stream. Brand deals bring in enough money to pay for her care home.

Droniak has 15 million followers, while her monthly care-home fee is $12,000. Her grandson began helping her post videos in 2020, initially because she was bored, and later edited sponsored content for food and beauty brands.

Droniak went viral in June after saying her retirement home had threatened to evict her over parties. The home confirmed the threat, but reached a settlement allowing her to continue hosting parties provided she did not supply alcohol.

Fashion, food and homemaking videos

Among the older creators building large audiences is 82-year-old Viv Truran from Cardiff. After her husband died, a neighbour suggested filming her colourful outfits; Truran now has more than 800,000 followers and posts two videos a day.

Truran features her clothes, 22 pairs of glasses and two drawers of scarves. She accepts selected advertising work, including partnerships with local brands and charities.

Audiences value experience

Grace Geramita, 85, known as Nonna Gracie, has millions of followers for videos showing recipes she has cooked for decades. Her grandson Matthew suggested filming her six years ago; she now earns more than she did in previous jobs.

Barbara Costello, a 77-year-old former teacher, runs the Brunch with Babs accounts, covering cooking, cleaning and homemaking skills. Followers tell her she reminds them of mothers and grandmothers they never had.

Naomi Baker of the influencer marketing agency We Are Social says older creators attract brands through loyal communities and strong purchasing power. She also says their wholesome content can serve as a “virtual grandma” for followers.